Nigeria's Flamingos have booked their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after defeating Benin Republic 5-3 in the second leg of their qualifier on Saturday at the Stade de Kegue in Lome, Togo, advancing 8-5 on aggregate.
Mark Akpan, Esther Stephen and Queen Joseph all found the net as Coach Akeem Busari's side completed the job in style, having won the first leg 3-2 in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Nigeria claimed one of Africa's four allocated spots for the tournament, joining hosts Morocco, which adds a fifth berth for the continent, in the 24-team competition scheduled from 17 October to 7 November 2026.
The qualification came without much drama as Nigeria had already hammered Guinea 11-0 on aggregate in the second round, winning 5-0 away and 6-0 at home, before seeing off Benin Republic in the final round.
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The Flamingos' passage to Morocco further reinforces their standing as one of the most consistent sides in the history of the tournament.
Aside from the 2018 edition, Nigeria has qualified for every U-17 Women's World Cup.
Their finest performance came in 2022, when they finished third.
They have also reached the quarter-finals on four occasions, exited at the group stage twice and fell in the round of 16 once.
With Morocco 2026 now secured, Nigeria will be targeting their best-ever result on African soil.
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